Island Creek's Weekly Words: May 15, 2026

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Dear Island Creek Families, 

Our students are showing incredible stamina and focus as we continue through the SOL testing window. The SOL scores should be visible in SIS ParentVUE, StudentVUE, and TeacherVUE every Wednesday and Friday.

Wednesday will be our final 3-Hour Early Release at 12:20 for school-age students.

️Tuesday, May 19:  Math SOL:  Grade 5 and 6

️Wednesday, May 20:  3-Hour Early Release at 12:20 for school-age students. If you have any questions or changes with your student's dismissal, please contact the office (571-642-6300) no later than 4:00 PM on Monday, May 18.

️Wednesday, May 20-Sunday, May 31:  Island Creek's Read-A-Thon!

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Warmly,

Jen Fallert, Principal    🐊

Denise Cash-Pinckney, Assistant Principal    🐊 


Every Day Counts at Island Creek!

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Help us reach our goal of 4% or less this year! 

Attendance is a vital life skill that will benefit your child later in life. It’s a good habit to build now to help them graduate from college on time and routinely report to work on time once they have a career.

By highlighting this important information, we aim to keep our families informed and energized about our collective efforts to encourage regular school attendance

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Early Release (12:20) for school-age students on Wednesday, May 20

Wednesday, May 20 is a 3-Hour Early Release Wednesday at 12:20 for school-age students.

Dismissal time and transportation will follow the same arrangements as the the Early Release Day on March 25.

If you have any questions or changes with your student's dismissal, please contact the office (571-642-6300) no later than 4:00 PM on Monday, May 18.

Preschool Students will follow their regular Wednesday schedule


Island Creek Elementary's Spring Pictures are now online!

Victor O'Neill Studios recently held Spring portrait day at Island Creek and pictures are now online. All orders will include free shipping until May 7th.

Please use this link to view your student's Spring photos.

Please remember, the online code is the Student ID Number. 

For questions about orders, please email underclass@vosphoto.com


ST Math Challenge: Month of May

Island Creek's final ST Math challenge of the school year is underway! The  class from each grade level that completes the most puzzles will win a popsicle or pizza party!

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Island Creek's Read-A-Thon: 

May 20-May 31

Encourage reading and support Island Creek Elementary! Our fourth annual Read-a-Thon runs from May 20th to May 31st

  • Sponsors: Students collect pledges (per minute or flat fee) from adults using forms will be sent home Friday, May 15 (extra copies in office). Aim for 5 sponsors at $10! No door-to-door fundraising.
  • Reading: Log reading at home/school (parent/guardian initial required) from May 20th to May 31st. Being read to counts!
  • Return: Send completed Pledge Sheets, Reading Logs, and donations (MySchoolBucks for Island Creek families or checks made out to Island Creek Elementary) to teachers or the office on June 1st or June 2nd.
  • Prizes:
    • All participants get a bookmark!
    • Raise $10+ for a Croc pop-it keychain!
    • Top reader in each class will win a special prize!
    • The class with the most minutes read (1 lower grade and 1 upper grade) gets a class treat (popsicles or pizza!)!

Let's make this Read-a-Thon a success! Thank you for supporting our readers!

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Spotlight on Specials: P.E.

All students in Kindergarten - 6th Grade practiced their foot skills during the soccer focused unit and learned about dribbling and passing skills. All students had the challenge of not using their hands during the unit and really put their foot skills to the test. 

During our fitness unit students in kindergarten through 3rd grade practiced the VA wellness fitness Pacer test. Students in 3rd through 6th grade completed all of the VA wellness tests for their posttests scores. These students used their fitness data to analyze and track their smart goal progress.  

The next few weeks of PE classes will be preparing for field day and practicing games that students can play outside of school. 


Preschool has Baby Chicks!

Look at these sweet photos or our youngest learners with their baby chicks!

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Island Creek's SCA: Talent Show

Event Details

  • Performance Date: Thursday, May 28th @ 5:00 PM

  • Location: Island Creek (K–3 performs first, followed by grades 4–6)

  • Sign-up Deadline: Wednesday, May 20th

How to Participate

  1. Prepare Your Act: Solo or group acts are welcome! (Mixed-grade groups will be categorized by the oldest member's grade).

  2. Record & Register: Fill out the Google Form here  and submit your performance video.

  3. The Lottery: To ensure a great show for everyone, acts are limited to 24 total. If we receive more than 24 sign-ups, a random lottery drawing will be held on Thursday, May 21st.

Important Reminders

  • All acts must be school-appropriate and follow SR&R rules.

  • Students may leave with an adult immediately following their performance.

  • Families are encouraged to attend and cheer on our talented performers!

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Field Day Volunteers Needed

Field Day will be Friday, June 5 (Rain Date: Friday, June 12). We have a fun day planned with a lot of wonderful activities for the students to enjoy in celebration of the end of the school year!

Field Day Times

  • 9:05-11:05 AM:  Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, PAC, AM ECCB
  • 12:30-2:50 PM:  3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, PM ECCB

We’re looking for parent/guaridan volunteers to help with Field Day activities! Volunteers will assist teachers and students in all grade levels (according to grouping above)  at various stations, help with transitions, and keep the event running smoothly.

If you’d like to join the fun, please scan the QR Code shown below.

For addtional information, please reach out to Ms. Barber at lmbarber@fcps.edu and Mr. Magagnoli at jlmagagnoli@fcps.edu.

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Field Day T-Shirts on Sale

Island Creek is sellling Field Day T-Shirts as a fundraiser! For reach shirt sold, Island Creek will receive funds that will be used for school beautification. You can purchase a Field Day T-Shirt for $10 on MySchoolBucks.

Field Day T-Shirts are on sale through Monday, May 18.

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Sixth Grade Promotion Ceremony

Families of Sixth Grade students are invited to celebrate the accomplishments of our sixth-grade students and reflect on their time at Island Creek on Wednesday, June 17th at 9:00 a.m.  Doors will open at 8:30 a.m.

Please note all adult family members must have a valid photo ID.

Students should "dress their best" in appropriate attire for this special day.

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3rd Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt – Free Summer Fun!

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The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt — and it’s only three weeks away!

 

This FREE event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.

New this year: the school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku!

Participants can sign up here: www.solvingfun.com/fairfax


New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1

On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.

This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell. 

High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage


South County Summer Strings

SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 6-17, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (weekdays only). Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day.

You can find more information and register for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Register early to save money and reserve your student’s spot!


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Save the Date! FCPS Summer Extravaganza, Saturday, June 6, 10:00am-2:30pm 

Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School. Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.

 

Virginia Sun Bucks

Virginia SUN Bucks is a one-time benefit to help families with the cost of groceries during the summer when children are not in school. Some families will automatically qualify for SUN Bucks based on participation in SNAP, TANF, income-based Medical Assistance, or free or reduced-price meals at school. Whether you're applying for SUN Bucks or automatically qualify, make sure your child's school and/or Public Assistance and Employment Services (PAES) have your correct address.  Learn more about SUN Bucks and how to apply. Questions? Please reach out to Amy Garcia, Family Liaison, ajgarcia@fpcs.edu, call/text 571-595-7015 or by Talking Points.

 

SNAP at Farmers Markets 

Families can use SNAP/EBT benefits at select county farmers markets and receive up to $40 in free fruits and vegetables, with tokens that can be used like cash at participating markets; for information, locations, and directions visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/snap or call 571-340-3322; to apply for SNAP call 1-833-522-5582. 

 

Registration Still Open for Summer Camps

Click the links for the most up to date information and registration instructions for each camp.

FCPS Elementary Institute for the Arts Four 1 week sessions from July 6-31. Explore art, music, dance, theatre & crafts. Robinson Secondary School. Transportation from area middle/high schools.

FCPS Tech Adventure Camp Four 1 week sessions from July 6-July 31. Explore STEAM, health, trades, business & marketing. Robinson Secondary School. Transportation from area middle/high schools.

Values in Prevention Camp for Rising 7th & 8th Grade. July 1-31, 9am-4pm. $100. Carl Sandburg Middle School (8428 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308) Transportation from area elementary schools. Contact Hayfield MS After School Specialist Mr. Abella with questions: dabella@fcps.edu

Camp Fairfax Summer SACC. Call to find schools with availability and learn about waitlists. 703-449-8989.

Fairfax County Park Authority Summer Camps Weekly camps, Ages 4-16 at Fairfax County parks, rec centers, nature centers & schools. Wide variety of activities & themes (use the camp spreadsheet tool on the website to find camps with availability).

Culmore Soccer Camp June 22-Aug 14; 1-4pm, Ages 6-15; Bailey’s Elementary School, Falls Church. Free, registration recommended, on-site registration available.

Sibshops/Sibteen Summer Camp June 22-23,  for children in FCPS schools who have a sibling with a disability.

FCPS Family Resource Center Summer Camp Guide List of summer camps (summary, contact information and website) organized by category including ADHD, general camps, grief, medical conditions, social skills, physical disabilities and more.  

 

TJHSST Techstravaganza 2026, Saturday, May 16, 10:00am-4:00pm

Tomorrow’s Women in Science and Technology (TWIST), a student organization at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), invites Island Creek students to attend their Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 16, from 10 am - 4 pm at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, 6560 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. Admission is free. Register here.  Visit the event website for more information: Techstravaganza 2026


🗓️ Island Creek Calendar

️Monday, May 18:  Last day to order Field Day T-shirts

️Tuesday, May 19:  Math SOL:  Grades 5 and 6

️Wednesday, May 20:  3-Hour Early Release at 12:20 for school-age students; Read-A-Thon starts!

️Monday, May 25:  Memorial Day Holiday, School Closed

️Tuesday, May 26:  Teacher Workday, No School for Students

️Wednesday, May 27:  Eid al-Adha Holiday, School Closed

️Sunday, May 31: Last day of the Read-A-Thon!

️Monday, June 1:  Chorus Concert; Read-A-Thon Reading Logs due!

️Tuesday, June 2:  Strings Concert; Read-A-Thon Reading Logs due!

️Friday, June 5:  Field Day

️Thursday, June 11:  Band Concert

️Friday, June 12:  Field Day (rain date)

️Wednesday, June 17:  Sixth Grade Promotion Ceremony (9:00, doors open at 8:30); Last Day of School (1:30 dismissal)


❤️Follow Island Creek on Facebook and Instagram

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Facebook link

Instagram:  islandcreekelementary